By Leah Craig
The monthly meeting at Hartland’s Cromaine Library drew a record-breaking crowd in response to recent criticisms of the library’s promoted literature.
The Livingston chapter of Moms for Liberty had expressed disapproval over what was perceived to be a promotion of LGBTQ+ content. The community, on the other hand, disagreed, with an overwhelming majority of public comments supporting the library’s inclusion of the literature.
Nicole Matthews-Creech, a Hartland resident and parent, is also the President of the Livingston Diversity Council. She described the library as a “treasure to have in our community,” elaborating on the dedication to the community, families, and literacy.
This turnout and positive feedback is especially notable due to a similar phenomenon on the Western side of the state. A millage to fund the Patmos Library in Ottawa County’s Jamestown Township was rejected in the August election, meaning that the smalltown library now faces closure. The Patmos Library previously garnered criticism from community members due to its inclusion of LGBTQ+ literature, which the library board refused to remove.
The crowd at Thursday’s meeting spoke to ensure that the Cromaine Library would not have a similar fate. One woman noted that “libraries are starting to have to choose between serving the entire community– fostering love and information for everybody…. or bowing to individual opinions.” She went on to say that to comply with requests for the removal of LGBTQ+ displays is not only an act of censorship but that the restriction of such books would only serve to hurt an already fragile community.
The books in question are among the recommended reads in the library’s teen section. The sole speaker who opposed the inclusion of LGBTQ+ literature detailed her research into these books: of the library’s promoted teen books, she found that seven out of the eleven featured books in the Teen section included a “gay or lesbian storyline.” This, she asserted, suggests that the library is “promoting an agenda, or at least catering to a special interest.”
Upon further investigation, it would appear that the vast majority of books in the Cromaine Library don’t feature LGBTQ+ content, debunking the claims of agenda promotion.
The one thing the Cromaine Library does aim to promote is childhood literacy. Marta-Kate Jackson, the library’s youth services manager, reported that participation in the children’s summer reading challenge increased by 41% from last year. The program seeks to encourage a love of reading, as well as maintain their reading and comprehension skills over the summer. Between the implementation of new software to facilitate online reading and outreach at the elementary school level, over 9,000 hours of reading were logged by children throughout the community in the months of June and July.
Barbara Gazda, a veteran teacher at Hartland High School, expressed her gratitude for the library’s dedication to literacy and education, thanking the staff for providing “varied, diverse, and rich opportunities for students”.


The nation is pushing for the rapid development of its digital infrastructure and tech to become one of the world’s leading digital nations and a big part of this is the research and development of 6G technology.
A tech company operating under the Hong Kong Smart Government Innovation Lab has launched a new solution that enables users to create customisable digital events through a sophisticated online solution set within an intuitive point-and-click interface for large-scale events.
This is a great read for forward-thinking organisations that are keenly aware of the power their data represents and who understand that its proper use empowers intelligent decision making.
An alternative to regular RT PCR tests, COMiT-Net differentiates abnormalities in chest X-Rays between an affected lung and a non-affected lung and can ease the pressure to procure testing kits and processing centres.
To spur the industry’s sustainable growth and ensure consumer protection, OJK has been accelerating the insurance industry’s digital transformation under its 2021-2025 master plan.
India’s cybersecurity industry nearly doubled in size during the pandemic, largely fueled by rapid digitalisation, increased regulatory attention on data and privacy and growing boardroom awareness around cyber threats.
A multinational information technology consulting and systems integration company has won a five-year contract with Energy Queensland to supply its operational technology hardware, software and specialised services.
The navy is progressing 30 AI-based projects that encompass autonomous systems, language translation, predictive maintenance, inventory management, text mining, perimeter security, maritime domain awareness and decision making.
Singapore has utilised AI for various purposes, including providing accurate early detection and timely treatments that are effective in preventing blindness and identifying skillsets of users based on co-curricular activity.
In a bid to boost smart mobility adoption, the National Institution for Transforming has prepared a draft policy for the Indian Railways to set up electric vehicle charging infrastructure at railway stations across the country.


Disinfectant wipes are appropriate to control microbial bioburden from surfaces: use of a new ASTM standard test protocol to demonstrate efficacy
Sattar S.A. et al. High-touch environmental surfaces (HTES) are being recognized increasingly for their potential to spread pathogens in healthcare and other settings. Decontamination of HTES is almost always either by a disinfectant spray and wipe procedure or by wiping with a disinfectant pre-soaked wipe (DPW). However, products marketed for this purpose are rarely tested using conditions simulating their field use, and the label claims of environmental surface disinfectants seldom include wiping action. Additionally, during routine wiping, DPW may dislodge localized contamination on HTES and transfer it to neighbouring areas being wiped, posing a substantial threat to the spread of pathogenic bacteria. Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide® (AHP®) has been proven to decontaminate surfaces without transferring acquired contamination to clean surfaces.
Read more here.


In August, EPA’s National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) released a draft report providing recommendations to the agency on water infrastructure investment. The document, entitled
EPA’s Role in Addressing the Urgent Water Infrastructure Needs of Environmental Justice Communities, outlines suggested actions EPA should take to address water infrastructure challenges in disadvantaged communities.
Among the report’s recommendations is the need for additional federal funding for water infrastructure from Congress.
According to the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, while the report offers welcome recommendations, it also includes suggestions that seem to “fail to adequately address the affordability challenges facing public clean water utilities and the communities they serve” in the context of environmental justice issues.
In a release from NACWA discussing findings of the document, NACWA claims the report does not seem to recognize that discussion around the affordability of federal water mandates, and concern over how these mandates impact the financial burden on EJ/low income communities, are in fact inextricably linked topics. Instead, the document appears to suggest that the two are entirely separate issues, according to NACWA.
Additionally, while the report acknowledges the role customer assistance programs and tiered rate structures can play in helping address affordability concerns, it does not recognize that these approaches will not work for all communities and utilities, according to NACWA.
NACWA says it was not consulted by the NEJAC during development of this report, and is not aware of any other associations in the water sector that were consulted. NACWA adds that it has already reached out to EPA with an offer to provide insights to the NEJAC on the draft report in the hope that the final report can better reflect the public clean water utility perspective on the complexities of this very challenging topic. Any members with questions for NACWA can contact Nathan Gardner-Andrews, NACWA’s chief advocacy officer.


THE Treasury is relying on a bounce in the economy at the end of the year to boost growth and set the tone for recovery during 2010. Despite gloomier-than-expected figures last week, officials said the economy remained on the trajectory expected in the April budget.
Unfortunately the goverment is using the treasury to cover up the real extend of the downturn, I anticipate that the out-turn for 2009 well below Darling’s budget forecast, with a drop of nearly 4.5% for the year, against the 3.25%-3.75% range he set out.
What is worrying particularly is the nervous nature of the bond market, whislt sterling has recovered significantly since the new year, I can see real interest rates being pushed up and sterling weakening again.


On April 30, 2019, the Department of Justice (DOJ), Criminal Division released a new guidance document intended to assist prosecutors in evaluating corporate compliance programs and guide corporations in creating them. The new guidance updates a prior version issued in February 2017. While written for prosecutors, the guidance provides a helpful roadmap for businesses reviewing and updating their compliance plans and should be considered mandatory reading for those operating in highly regulated industries, such as healthcare, life sciences, financial services, and energy.
Background for DOJ Action
Several DOJ documents already inform how prosecutors and courts assess a corporation’s compliance program. For example, the Justice Manual (renamed U.S. Attorney’s Manual), which is the principal collection of DOJ policies and procedures, includes “Principles of Federal Prosecution of Business Organizations.” The section lays out certain factors that prosecutors should consider in assessing a compliance program and deciding whether to prosecute. In addition, in October 2018, Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski issued a new memorandum entitled, “Selection of Monitors in Criminal Division Matters,” which applies to Criminal Division matters. That memo retains much of the past guidance on the selection of monitors while elaborating on the considerations of a monitor’s potential benefits and costs.
This newest guidance further elaborates on the aspects of an effective compliance program. The guidance is organized around the three “fundamental questions” a prosecutor should ask in evaluating a corporate compliance program:
Is the corporation’s compliance program well designed? Is the program being applied earnestly and in good faith? Does the corporation’s compliance program work?
The guidance dives deep into these fundamental questions, suggesting additional subtopics, questions, and checklists prosecutors might consider in each particular case.
Though the guidance is neither binding law on corporations nor a “rigid formula” that prosecutors must follow, it does reveal design and implementation elements that create a strong corporate compliance program in the eyes of DOJ.
Practical Recommendations
In light of the updated guidance, corporate boards and individual officers alike would benefit from comparing their own compliance programs against the considerations outlined in the guidance and updating their programs as appropriate.
Among the highlights from the new guidance:
The guidance focuses on compliance programs that are tailored to the particular risks of the business. In this respect, the guidance notes that the “starting point for a prosecutor’s evaluation” of a compliance program is to “understand the company’s business from a commercial perspective, how the company has identified, assessed, and defined its risk profile, and the degree to which the program devotes appropriate scrutiny and resources to the spectrum of risks.” This tailoring of risk—and devoting significant resources to high-risk areas—appears to be a focus for DOJ and should, likewise, be a focus for corporations. The guidance emphasizes that compliance programs should evidence a “culture of compliance.”In this respect, DOJ considers whether the compliance program is “accessible and applicable to all company employees” and incorporated into day-to-day operations. Tone at the top remains a key consideration, as the guidance recognizes that a “company’s top leaders – the board of directors and executives – set the tone for the rest of the company.” The guidance also focuses on establishing and utilizing a confidential reporting systemfor employees to voice concerns that, in turn, fosters a “workplace atmosphere without fear of retaliation, appropriate processes for the submission of complaints, and processes to protect whistleblowers.” Having an anonymous reporting system is a necessary step for any compliance program. The guidance expects comprehensive compliance plans to involve due diligence of third-party partners and acquisition targets.While the focus on third-party partners may add more compliance pressure-testing for some corporations, it appears to be DOJ’s baseline expectation and no longer an aspirational goal. Finally, the guidance highlights the importance of effective implementation and evaluation measures. Put another way, is the compliance program a “paper program” or one “implemented, reviewed, and revised, as appropriate, in an effective manner?” Regular, rigorous, and consistent review of compliance programs is now the expectation.
Overall, this new guidance provides helpful insight into DOJ’s view of compliance issues and sets a high bar for corporations and officers. For companies operating in highly regulated industries, the guidance should be viewed as an important benchmark for their compliance efforts. As noted by Benczkowski in his announcement of the new guidance—and echoed by countless attorneys who represent corporate clients—an effective corporate compliance program can not only save a corporation from prosecution when criminal conduct transpires, but can also help stop criminal conduct from occurring in the first place.


Why are there no “momentum” exchange-traded funds (ETF)? What would it take to create them? How might they have performed in recent years? In their November 2008 paper entitled “Momentum and Contrarian Stock-Market Indices”, Jon Eggins and Robert Hill propose a new class of diversified momentum (overweighting stocks that have recently outperformed) and contrarian (underweighting these same stocks) ETFs derived from partitions of a benchmark index. Their methodology allows adjustment of the degree to which a partition is momentum or contrarian via a single parameter, with associated turnover increasing as the degree of momentumness or contrarianness increases. ETFs based on such index partitions would allow individual investors practical access to diversified momentum/contrarian strategies and provide performance benchmarks for momentum and contrarian investment managers. Using price data for the components of the Russell 1000 index over the period June 1995-June 2007 to construct baseline momentum and contrarian indexes,
they conclude that: Over the entire sample period, short-term momentum and long-term contrarian indexes outperform the reference Russell 1000 index. The momentum and contrarian indexes have higher turnovers than does the Russell 1000 index, but a long-only fund sponsor could control turnover to a manageable level while maintaining distinctive momentum and contrarian styles. Momentum/contrarian strategies are not simply proxies for growth/value indexes. During the “tech” boom, there is high affinity between momentum and growth indexes, and between contrarian and value indexes. These relationships reverse after 2001. Most recently, the relationships disappear. Momentum and contrarian indexes generate higher turnover than value and growth indexes (but lower turnover than long-short momentum strategies and many mutual funds).
The following chart, taken from the paper, compares the cumulative performance from June 1996 to June 2007 of the Russell 1000 index and four 12-month formation period, 12-month holding period (12,12) momentum and contrarian indexes derived from it, as follows:
A (12,12) momentum index with degree of momentumness corresponding to about 23% annual turnover [Mom(15)]. A (12,12) momentum index with degree of momentumness set to maximum, with annual turnover around 40% [Mom(inf)]. A (12,12) contrarian index with degree of contrarianness corresponding to about 25% annual turnover [Cont(15)]. A (12,12) contrarian index with degree of contrarianness set to maximum, with annual turnover around 50% [Cont(inf)].
In general, momentum strategies outperform contrarian strategies for a 12-month holding period, and the momentum-contrarian divergence increases with the degree of index momentumness/contrarianness. Moreover, for a 12-month holding period, momentum (contrarian) strategies tend to outperform (underperform) the reference Russell 1000 index. Contrarians must hold for much longer periods to exploit eventual reversal.
Note that these index performance calculations do not include trading frictions, which might eliminate the outperformance of momentum indexes relative to the Russell 1000.
In summary,
momentum and contrarian ETFs based on long-only partitions of broader indexes might offer individual investors practical and diversified access to the momentum factor, and to the associated longer-term contrarian reversal.


In a report on a recent Harris Poll, AMN reports that despite relatively impressive sales figures for electric cars, sales have been flat.
The past two years (2013, 2014) each saw sales for this segment exceeding the half-million mark, and 2015 is on track for a repeat, according to a recent Harris Poll. As of the end of July, nearly 290,000 vehicles with a battery generating at least some of their momentum have been sold in the U.S., including nearly 120,000 plug-in models (whether pure electrics or plug-in hybrids).
Yet, while that is indisputably a lot of vehicles, 2015 sales numbers to date still represent the same 3 percent of total U.S. vehicle sales seen in 2012, before some major players joined the charge.
In related news, Audi has announced plans to introduce an all-electric SUV to compete with the Tesla Model X. The Audi e-tron quattro is expected to be released in 2018.
The Harris Poll’s results point to the cost of electric and hybrid vehicles as the main detriment to further growth. Internal combustion engines are expected to continue to be the primary mode of power generation for at least several more decades.


A typical feature of hollow interlocking tiles is the wide trough. It is characteristic of the traditional roof design. With the high quality of the H 13, this tile form is experiencing an expressive renaissance.
The format of the H 15 makes it ideal for new roofs or roof renovations. A displacement range of around 20 mm facilitates a harmonious roof design. The head and raised longitudinal interlock of the H 15 are ideal for curved rooftops.
The characteristic form of the hollow tile contributes to the originality of old buildings - especially listed buildings. This is why hollow tiles are often installed on unusual rooftops with elaborate details. The hollow tile is also suitable for the most challenging installation tasks on new buildings, e.g. as eyebrow dormer roofing.
Hollow interlocking tiles are one of the striking design features on historic buildings. The H 10 continues the tradition of dynamic roof design, but in an attractive large format. This, alongside easy and cost-effective installation, is another reason why the H 10 is becoming increasingly established in modern-day roof architecture.
A distinguishing feature of hollow interlocking tiles is the wide trough. It is typical of traditional roof design. The high quality of the H 14, and its wide range of colours, is contributing to the renaissance of this type of tile.


Jupiter Meta has announced its rebranding to a Metaverse and Web3.0 advisory.
The Metaverse-as-a-service (MaaS) start-up is involved in helping businesses transition into the digital reality segment by building a Web3.0 economy.
With the economy moving towards adoption of the metaverse faster than imagined, strategising for a brand’s meta-journey holds the key to development - especially considering the impact of technology, costs and expectations that currently exist in the space.
Jupiter Meta’s solution is engineered to infuse gamification and tokenomics into extended reality architecture rather than a pure-play offering. Additionally, they bring all elements of Web3.0 and metaverse into a single framework that helps businesses streamline their strategy and monetise efficiently.
With the constant evolution in the use of AR, VR, and MR tools, this nascent space is shifting gears rapidly, and Jupiter Meta believes in a problem-solving ecosystem where the convergence of these technologies, integrated into business strategy, will play a critical role in adoption.
Furthermore, Jupiter Meta has also created token-based solutions that will not just redefine how content is consumed around the world, but also change the dynamics of monetisation for content creators and journalists at a grassroot level.
Their design architecture leverages blockchain tech and plugs in IoT and AI tools to deliver a futuristic and customizable product experiences.
Manasa Rajan, CEO, Jupiter Meta, said, “Metaverse architecture is the perfect platform to solve real societal issues that remain a stigma. That’s why our strategy is to build solutions across functions and industries that focus on high-impact results.”
“We have strived to stay ahead of the curve, simply by gaining insights into user pain points across verticals, and solutioning for them with compelling immersive experiences that are engaging and entertaining. And this new logo is a representation of our evolution as an organization. The ‘sphere’ as we like to call it, encapsulates society’s journey towards a new universe of immersion and engagement,” she added.


Fall Prevention
Falling presents a significant risk to older adults that can increase the chance of a bone fracture, disability, and loss of independence. Fall prevention refers to exercises or interventions that reduce the risk or occurrence of falls in elderly individuals.
Fall Prevention falls under theHealthy Aging & Longevitycategory.


In Nigeria’s post-oil boom era, Aisha Udochi and Yunnan Chen explore the potential of Chinese engagement in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. Can Chinese entrepreneurs and investors contribute to knowledge transfer, local development, and structural transformation? Abdul-Gafar Tobi Oshodi adds his views based on his work on Nigeria-China economic engagement and development impacts.


Author Abstract
We study the economic tradeoffs that drive organizations to position themselves closer to or further away from a multi-sided platform (MSP) business model, relative to three traditional alternatives: vertically integrated firms, resellers, or input suppliers. These tradeoffs lead to a comprehensive discussion of the defining features of MSPs. The formal model we develop focuses on the MSP vs. vertical integration choice, which we interpret in the context of professional services. A key tradeoff emerges between the need to motivate observable effort by professionals (best achieved by a MSP) and the need to coordinate decisions that generate spillovers across professionals (best achieved by a vertical integrated firm). We show how this baseline tradeoff is impacted by the nature of contracts available to the vertically integrated firm and the MSP, and whether professionals hold private information.


– Anoushka Dasgupta
Wearable electronic devices, worn on clothes or the skin to record body parameters such as heartbeat and pulse rate, are currently in great demand. 2D nanomaterials such as graphene, with their exceptional electrical and mechanical properties, play a key role in fabricating these devices. Graphene oxide (GO) is a scalable and low-cost alternative to pristine graphene. However, GO is an insulator and needs to be reduced to an electrically conducting form called reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) to make it useful for sensors.
A group of IISc researchers has now devised a novel method to instantaneously reduce graphene oxide using an electric spark.
This method, outlined in a paper published in
ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, is efficient and cost-effective, which would allow easy industrial scale-up. It is also more environment-friendly compared to existing methods as it does not generate chemical residues. Sensors developed using this method can have applications in gesture control, in biomedical rehabilitation to detect the degree and intensity of body movements, and in the field of robotics.
Graphene and its derivatives are versatile in their electrical and structural properties, and are therefore the preferred materials used to build flexible sensors. The chemical structure of GO allows it to form ‘printable inks’ with various solvents, and bind to the substrate better. Various reduction techniques, including thermal, UV, laser, and microwave-based methods, are used to modify the chemical structure and form rGO. However, these methods are expensive and time-consuming, often produce toxic by-products, and can also damage the substrate.
Schematic of the spark discharge setup with spark-dispensing electrodes and GO film deposited on fabric (Credit: authors/ ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces)
To reduce graphene oxide efficiently and quickly, the IISc team used an electrical discharge under ambient conditions, popularly known as an electric spark. Sparking on GO deposited over a porous substrate enables its instantaneous reduction, along with a large drop in electrical resistance.
By varying certain parameters in the spark stream, the team was able to tweak the degree of reduction of graphene oxide, and also make predefined conducting patterns, which offers more flexibility in sensor fabrication. The heat present in the spark is highly localised and does not cause any substrate damage; this was verified using a Scanning Electron Microscope.
When mechanical stress is applied to the rGO-coated fabric, it causes a proportional change in the electrical resistance of the rGO film. This property is essential for it to function efficiently as a flex sensor. The change in electrical resistance was found to be consistent over repeated tests and under different bending angles, says Rajanna Konandur, Honorary Professor at the Department of Instrumentation and Applied Physics, and corresponding author of the paper.
He and his team integrated flex sensors containing these spark-reduced rGO films on commercially available gloves, and tested them using bending and other finger movements. Further research can pave the way for inexpensive, large-scale production of flexible, wearable electronics that use these films.
REFERENCE: Kedambaimoole, V., Kumar, N., Shirhatti, V., Nuthalapati, S., Nayak, M. M., & Konandur, R., Electric Spark Induced Instantaneous and Selective Reduction of Graphene Oxide on Textile for Wearable Electronics, CONTACT: K. Rajanna


Equity Statement
The Norwalk Board of Education firmly believes in the potential of all students to learn and succeed. We support equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental values of our school district to ensure access for ALL scholars.
We stand united in respecting people of all backgrounds and identities, welcoming all races, socio-economic statuses, genders, gender identities or expressions, sexual orientations, religions, nationalities, citizenship statuses and disabilities. Our schools are safe and welcoming environments for all. We are dedicated to fostering authentic relationships with all members of our school community, including culturally diverse families, and will communicate with clarity and respect.
To prepare our students to succeed in a multi-cultural, global society, we support our schools in teaching the contributions and viewpoints of all people, using culturally relevant curricula.
Race/ethnicity, language or socio-economic status will not be barriers to accessing academic, social-emotional and extra-curricular opportunities. The Board believes that a high quality school district provides equitable opportunities, policies, facilities and experiences that produce meaningful outcomes for ALL scholars.
Equity and Disproportionality Study
Dr. Edward Fergus, Associate Professor of Urban Education and Policy, and Director, Disproportionality and Equity Lab, with the Temple University research team, conducted a fourmonth examination of community and school staff perception of educational equity experiences and needs at Norwalk Public Schools (NPS). The project involved gathering data via survey and focus groups with staff, students, and parents and community members. The Temple University research team commenced the project in late September 2020 and concluded data collection in mid-December 2020. We gathered surveys from nearly 1,900 parents and community members and 320 school staff, and conducted over 35 focus groups and 20 interviews with nearly 140 parents and community members, 17 school administrators, and 40 school staff.


Abstract
Kinesins are biological motors that transport cargo unidirectionally along microtubule tracks. These motors are attractive candidates for carrying out biomolecular separations, directed assembly of nanoparticles, or for powering nano- or microscale devices. However, a prerequisite for harnessing kinesins is properly aligning the microtubule tracks that they walk along. We describe a method for constructing an array of aligned microtubules on a two-dimensional surface. The process involves immobilizing short microtubule seeds, polymerizing long microtubules uniquely from one end, and then attaching the elongated filaments to the surface. To quantitate the extent of microtubule alignment, we analyzed microtubule orientations from four different arrays and found a standard deviation of 12.8°, which is comparable to the alignment of oriented microtubule arrays observed in migrating fibroblasts. By producing a field of aligned microtubules, this array provides a launching point for employing kinesins for directed assembly or nanoscale force generation.
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes Bioengineering Chemistry(all) Materials Science(all) Condensed Matter Physics Mechanical Engineering


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Abstract: Recent investigations have reported significantly higher flow stresses for microcompression compared to microtensile testing. To clarify this point a load reversal test was performed on a microtensile specimen and equal flow stresses in tension and compression were observed. In contrast, if the lateral sample compliance constrains the deformation, microcompression testing overestimates the flow stresses. Additional contributions to the measured flow stresses stem from the aspect ratio of the sample and dislocation pile-ups.


Amy: To resume my contribution, we welcome any measures to improve transparency and democracy in our COVID response and to apply public health directions to democratic oversight. I also note the incredible stress and strain that our hospitals and healthcare workers have been under and remain under over the period of the pandemic. This strain on our healthcare system is not down to COVID alone but, rather, years of systemic underfunding and lack of support for staff. Nurses, doctors and allied healthcare workers report: understaffing, overwork, poor conditions, caring for patients with increasingly severe conditions who cannot access primary health care like a bulk-billing GP or a trip to the dentist while the cost of living increases and wages flatline. A recent survey by AMAQ found that 46 per cent of junior doctors at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in my electorate were working up to or more than 24 hours of overtime per fortnight and that 68 per cent were concerned about making a clinical error due to fatigue caused by hours worked. I have heard similar feedback from nurses and allied healthcare workers in hospitals in South Brisbane and elsewhere, many of whom are burnt out, exhausted and planning to leave the healthcare workforce for good. Similarly, workers are struggling with the cost of living, with the cost of housing, with the cost of transport and parking and then dealing with incredibly difficult conditions in their workplaces. This bill acknowledges that the COVID pandemic continues, but the state government has pushed nurses, doctors and healthcare workers to breaking point. When healthcare workers suffer, patients suffer too. While other states have implemented measures such as COVID bonuses or offer free university and TAFE for new nurses, Queensland it seems has no plan to bolster the healthcare workforce or to support those workers who have been working so hard on the frontlines of the pandemic. If Queensland does not follow suit and follow states such as Victoria that are offering free university, Queensland will lose even more nurses and healthcare workers and the healthcare crisis will only get worse. I reiterate: we welcome any measures to improve transparency and democracy in our COVID response, but our healthcare workers have been carrying the brunt of this pandemic and remain unsupported by this government. They remain underpaid. They remain understaffed in our hospitals and are stressed. These are the stories that healthcare workers bring to me. They are saying, ‘We are at our wit’s end and we need the support that we deserve so that we can give patients the care that they deserve.’ In a wealthy state like Queensland with an extremely high surplus, why are we underfunding our hospitals and healthcare workers?


Yard waste includes grass clippings, weeds, leaves, shrubs and brush trimmings.
DEARBORN — The city’s 2022 curbside yard waste program is set to begin the week of March 14 to 18 and last through the week of Dec. 12 to 16.
Starting March 14, residents can put yard waste in properly marked containers at the curb on their trash collection day. Yard waste includes grass clippings, weeds, leaves, shrubs and brush trimmings.
Fruit, vegetables, animal droppings and seasonal decorations cannot be mixed with yard waste. Sod and dirt are not yard waste and will not be collected.
Residents should place yard waste materials in the proper containers at least three feet away from their trash and recycling carts. Yard waste may not be placed in the street.
Acceptable containers include yard waste paper bags or a resident’s own 20- to 32-gallon container clearly marked with a yard waste sticker. Free stickers are available during normal operating hours at Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Ave., from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; Esper Branch Library, 12929 W. Warren Ave., from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday; and the Dearborn Administrative Center, 16901 Michigan Ave., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Yard waste placed in plastic bags or cardboard boxes will not be picked up.
This service provides residents the opportunity to get a head start on spring cleanup and dispose of materials left over from the fall.
To arrange for a special pickup of unbundled or improperly bundled brush, or for more information, call the Sanitation Division at 313-943-2150.


Dave Purkiss has over 30 years of experience in all aspects of water treatment and distribution systems. He leads NSF’s global water programs, including offices in the U.S., Belgium, China, India, Korea and the UK. These teams deliver certification programs that help ensure the quality and safety of products used in municipal water treatment, water distribution, residential drinking water treatment, plumbing, pools and spas, and wastewater treatment.
Since joining NSF in 1987, Mr. Purkiss has worked on many major initiatives including assisting in the development of NSF standards and certification programs. As General Manager of Plumbing Products, he oversaw the certification of plumbing products, such as faucets and mechanical and plastic plumbing parts, to national and international standards. As Managing Director of NSF’s UK Water team, he played a key role in managing the launch and development of NSF’s lab in Wales, which provides testing for water and fitting materials, and is the largest such lab in the UK.
Mr. Purkiss also held previous leadership roles as the General Manager of Municipal Water Products and the General Manager of Drinking Water Additives.He began his career at NSF working as an hourly employee in the engineering laboratory.
Mr. Purkiss is currently the chair of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Polyelectrolytes Standards Committee.
His areas of expertise include:
Water treatment and distribution systems Plumbing Drinking water treatment chemicals and media Drinking water treatment and distribution equipment Recreational water products


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This journal article documents one OST director’s journey through the process of becoming credentialed. It explores fears and challenges and what she—and her program participants, families, and staff—ultimately gained from the process. This story can bring a personal experience to life for state system planners creating or supporting a school-age credential.
This article explores the challenges and potential of school-afterschool partnerships. Based on interviews with school administrators, afterschool leaders, and front-line staff in three schools, the findings reveal both disconnections and opportunities for fuller communication and collaboration.
This website offers resources on a range topics related to healthy youth development, with the goal of helping users create, maintain, and strengthen effective youth programs.
This website offers afterschool nonprofits a range of tools, articles, reports, and resources to develop financial skills. It includes articles, webinars, videos, and self-assessment resources on planning, operations, monitoring, and governance.


Genomics is helping us tackle the greatest health challenges of our time, driving life-saving breakthroughs and unlocking revolutionary advances in personalized medicine.
Fueled by more than two decades of investment by Genome Canada, genomics-enabled precision health tools are speeding up diagnoses and improving health outcomes and disease management for Canadians. Genomics is also playing a leading role in Canada’s response to major public health challenges, such as COVID-19—permitting vaccine development at record speed and large-scale sequencing efforts to track and understand the pandemic.
Genome Canada is charting a bold and more equitable future for healthcare in Canada as we harness the power of genomics—and create shared tools and data assets—to strengthen public health and shift from a disease-oriented healthcare system to one that is more precise, personalized, predictive, preventative and cost effective. We are also advancing a “One Health” approach (addressing the interconnectedness of people, animals, plants and their shared environment) to strengthen Canadian, and global, health security.


The already massive global gaming market continues to expand in part due to COVID-19 with increased engagement, and a shift toward content creation via streaming and direct viewer interaction. This trend is driving greater mainstream visibility and a resurgence in gaming popularity. According to a report, the global gaming market generated approximately 178 billion U.S. dollars in revenues in 2020, which translates to 23.1 percent growth compared to 2019.


Abstract:
Comparative genomics has served as an essential guide in the identification of functional coding and non-coding sequences in vertebrate genomes. Human-mouse pair-wise comparisons have limited utility for identifying functional conserved non-coding sequences, owing to the large number of sequences shared between these species. In searching for more stringent filters to uncover non-coding elements more likely to be of functional importance in the human genome, human-fish sequence comparisons have emerged as an important strategy, leading to the efficient identification of enhancer elements. These sequences are unevenly distributed in the genome, tending to cluster around genes involved in key developmental processes, with recent studies suggesting that they represent genomic segments in which sequence variation can result in morphological changes and innovation. These elements, conserved over long evolutionary time, emerge as primary candidates that are likely to harbor sequence variation contributing to susceptibility of human disease phenotypes.


4публікацій · Експортувати
Amanda Morris, Benjamin Cassidy, Ryan Pelo, Nora F. Fino, Angela P. Presson, Daniel M. Cushman, Nicholas E. Monson, Leland E. Dibble, Peter C. Fino
2020, Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
Rachael C. Stickland, Kristina M. Zvolanek, Stefano Moia, Apoorva Ayyagari, César Caballero-Gaudes, Molly G. Bright
ABSTRACTCerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), defined here as the Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) response to a CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> pressure change, is a useful metric of cerebrovascular function. Both the amplitude and the timing (hemodynamic lag) of the CVR response can bring insight into the nature of a cerebrovascular pathology and aid in understanding noise confounds when using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to study neural activity. This research assessed a practical modification to a typical resting-state fMRI protocol, to improve the characterization of cerebrovascular function. In 9 healthy subjects, we modelled CVR and lag in three resting-state data segments, and in data segments which added a 2–3 minute breathing task to the start of a resting-state segment. Two different breathing tasks were used to induce fluctuations in arterial CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> pressure: a breath-hold task to induce hypercapnia (CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> increase) and a cued deep breathing task to induce hypocapnia (CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> decrease). Our analysis produced voxel-wise estimates of the amplitude (CVR) and timing (lag) of the BOLD-fMRI response to CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> by systematically shifting the CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> regressor in time to optimize the model fit. This optimization inherently increases grey matter CVR values and fit statistics. The inclusion of a simple breathing task, compared to a resting-state scan only, increases the number of voxels in the brain that have a significant relationship between CO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> and BOLD-fMRI signals, and improves our confidence in the plausibility of voxel-wise CVR and hemodynamic lag estimates. We demonstrate the clinical utility and feasibility of this protocol in an incidental finding of Moyamoya disease, and explore the possibilities and challenges of using this protocol in younger populations. This hybrid protocol has direct applications for CVR mapping in both research and clinical settings and wider applications for fMRI denoising and interpretation.
2021
Karun Thanjavur, Dionissios T. Hristopulos, Arif Babul, Kwang Moo Yi, Naznin Virji-Babul
Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are showing increasing promise as decision support tools in medicine and particularly in neuroscience and neuroimaging. Recently, there has been increasing work on using neural networks to classify individuals with concussion using electroencephalography (EEG) data. However, to date the need for research grade equipment has limited the applications to clinical environments. We recently developed a deep learning long short-term memory (LSTM) based recurrent neural network to classify concussion using raw, resting state data using 64 EEG channels and achieved high accuracy in classifying concussion. Here, we report on our efforts to develop a clinically practical system using a minimal subset of EEG sensors. EEG data from 23 athletes who had suffered a sport-related concussion and 35 non-concussed, control athletes were used for this study. We tested and ranked each of the original 64 channels based on its contribution toward the concussion classification performed by the original LSTM network. The top scoring channels were used to train and test a network with the same architecture as the previously trained network. We found that with only six of the top scoring channels the classifier identified concussions with an accuracy of 94%. These results show that it is possible to classify concussion using raw, resting state data from a small number of EEG sensors, constituting a first step toward developing portable, easy to use EEG systems that can be used in a clinical setting.
2021, Frontiers in Human Neuroscience


Abstract
The expression level of a gene can fluctuate significantly between individuals within a population of genetically identical cells. The resultant phenotypic heterogeneity could be exploited by bacteria to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Noise is hence a genome-wide phenomenon that arises from the stochastic nature of the biochemical reactions that take place during gene expression and the relatively low abundance of the molecules involved. The production of mRNA and proteins therefore occurs in bursts, with alternating episodes of high and low activity during transcription and translation. Single-cell and single-molecule studies demonstrated that noise within gene expression is influenced by a combination of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. However, our mechanistic understanding of this process at the molecular level is still rather limited. Further investigation is necessary that takes into account the detailed knowledge of gene regulation gained from biochemical studies.


Abstract
The vast agro-urban settlements that developed in the humid tropics of Mesoamerica and Asia contained both elite civic-ceremonial spaces and sprawling metropolitan areas. Recent studies have suggested that both local autonomy and elite policies facilitated the development of these settlements; however, studies have been limited by a lack of detail in considering how, when, and why these factors contributed to the evolution of these sites. In this paper, we use a fine-grained diachronic analysis of Angkor’s landscape to identify both the state-level policies and infrastructure and bottom-up organization that spurred the growth of Angkor as the world’s most extensive pre-industrial settlement complex. This degree of diachronic detail is unique for the ancient world. We observe that Angkor’s low-density metropolitan area and higher-density civic-ceremonial center grew at different rates and independently of one another. While local historical factors contributed to these developments, we argue that future comparative studies might identify similar patterns.
Keywords Urbanism Agro-urbanism Demography Cambodia Angkor Southeast Asia


Like a tidal wave, the modern sexual revolution has left many Christians feeling overwhelmed and disoriented. The biblical framework for gender and sexuality has been labeled harmful and dangerous, making it a challenge to know how to interact on these issues.
In this preconference event, featuring
Dr. Juli Slattery, Dr. Rosaria Butterfield (via Livestream), Laura Perry, Mary Kassian, and Dannah Gresh, explore answers to critical questions like: Why do gender and sexuality matter? How does the gospel shape our understanding of these issues? What does a God-honoring perspective look like in our own lives and marriages? How can you engage with those who don’t accept the authority of God’s Word?
Let God’s Word mold your thinking about gender and sexuality and discover how to experience God’s blessing by celebrating, living out, and sharing His good plan in this vital area.
Schedule Thursday, September 22
1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Preconference
Gender & Sexuality: Clarity in an Age of Confusion


Following the creation of the DOJ’s Ransomware and Digital Extortion Task Force in April 2021 and on the heels of the Biden administration’s characterization of ransomware as a national security threat, on June 7, 2021, the DOJ announced it has seized $2.3 million (63.7 bitcoin) in proceeds from a recent ransom paid to DarkSide in connection with a ransomware attack on U.S. critical infrastructure. In seizing the funds, the DOJ recovered most of a ransom paid on May 8, 2021 to DarkSide criminal actors. Although the ransom initially paid was 75 bitcoin (approximately $4.3 million at the time of payment) the amount recovered was 63.7 bitcoins (or $2.3 million at the time of seizure). There are five key takeaways from this development.
DarkSide disrupted. On May 14, 2021, as DarkSide announced it was disbanding due to U.S. pressure, it was also reported that around this same time, that DarkSide had lost control over some of its assets, including a payments server, and funds were directed to unknown addresses. It was also publicly reported that a third-party computer security company had identified the bitcoin wallet used by DarkSide to collect the ransom that was later recovered by the FBI. This firm observed that the DarkSide had collected $17.5 million from 21 bitcoin wallets between March and mid-May 2021, providing some sense of the pace and payments associated with DarkSide ransomware attacks in a short period of time. U.S. will treat ransomware like terrorism. FBI methods. Based on the FBI’s June 7, 2021 affidavit in support of the seizure warrant, blockchain explorer was used to track the payments made to the hackers and as the hackers moved the payments through ten bitcoin addresses from the point of initial payment on May 8 to May 27, 2021. (Blockchain explorer is an online tool that function as a search engine for blockchain by identifying and organizing transactional data so that the user can review the data to identify bitcoin addresses in a given blockchain.) However, there has been speculation in news reports that although DarkSide moved the payments through various bitcoin addresses, it may not have taken advantage of more advanced methods such as automated mixers, which may also available to criminal actors to further shuffle and hide payments across bitcoin addresses and wallets to evade law enforcement. It is also unclear how the FBI obtained the private key needed to access the funds at the bitcoin address. Market volatility of bitcoin. In the past, volatility in bitcoin has been attributed to some combination of its limited supply, lack of a central bank, and because it is a relatively new asset class. Whatever the reason, bitcoin volatility is evident is the difference in BTC to USD exchange rates between May 8 and June 7, which at market close was approximately $58,803.78 to 1 BTC on May 8 (the date of the ransom payment) and $36,110.87 to 1 BTC on June 7 (the date of seizure). However, the additional ten percent decline in the value of bitcoin on June 8 has been attributed at least in part to the seizure, because it calls into question the relative security of bitcoin. Public-private cooperation. The seizure of funds in part depended on the FBI’s ability to trace the funds, beginning with the initial payment to the attacker’s bitcoin wallet. This success highlights importance of timely, confidential cooperation with FBI as companies respond to ransomware attacks and particularly where a company may be considering payment of a ransom demand. It remains to be seen whether the role of third-party security firms in identifying and tracing bitcoin payments in ransomware incidents of scale develops into a trend, and whether that activity ultimately helps law enforcement and impacted organizations identify organized criminal groups and recover digital extortion payments.


Proteinase K is provided as a lyophilized powder form and is of molecular biology grade. It is a broad-spectrum serine protease with very high specific activity. Proteinase K is a recombinant enzyme expressed in Pichia pastoris, and undergoes extensive purification to yield the highest quality product.
It is active under a wide range of reaction conditions, including elevated temperatures and in the presence of SDS. As a result, Proteinase K is widely used for the digestion of proteins, including DNases and RNases, during nucleic acid preparations without compromising the integrity of isolated DNA or RNA. Proteinase K is free of exonucleases, endonucleases, and ribonucleases.
Applications
Extraction of DNA and RNA from different starting materials
Purification of target material from contaminating proteins
Removal of DNases and RNases during nucleic acids isolation
Flexibility
Recombinant broad-spectrum non-specific protease derived from Tritirachium album and over-expressed in Pichia pastoris
Molecular Biology Grade
High activity and exceptional purity
Active at high temperatures (up to 56°C) and denaturing conditions (e.g. in the presence of urea and/or SDS), which makes it ideal for digesting proteins in variety of applications
Stable over a wide pH range: 4.0–12.5 (optimum pH 7.5–8.0)
Low residual DNA content (≤ 10 pg/mg).
StorageProteinase K is shipped on blue ice and should be stored at -20°C .


Adjustment disorder is a condition that may be diagnosed when an individual experiences a shift in their mood and/or personality due to a recent and significant change. This period of adjustment may be due to a traumatic or stressful event such as marital problems, divorce, or loss. When an individual struggles with adjustment disorder, they typically experience stress and feelings of depression and hopelessness. Learning how to cope with a significant change in healthy ways is essential to dealing with your emotions and avoiding unhealthy coping behaviors.


Covid Expense Reimbursement Program Every organization has been financially impacted by Covid. The government has reserved over $400 billion for this program to make sure we all get through this together. Expense Consulting can assist you with your application!
Our goal is to help businesses and healthcare organizations deal with the financial burden created by the additional cost necessary to effectively manage the Covid-19 pandemic. To help with this unexpected financial burden, the Federal Government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This legislation allows qualifying organizations to receive up to 100% reimbursement for monies spent to insure their employees and customers/patients are effectively protected in the form of a grant. The program is being managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as well as the respective state governments.
ACT NOW! The deadline to be considered for 90% reimbursement is December 31st, 2022. Factors you need to consider:
The application process is complex and time consuming for your staff.
Accuracy of the application is crucial to not get rejected.
You must include all spend categories that qualify to maximize reimbursement.
The approval process touches several different government agencies. You need an advocate that knows how to navigate the maze.
Your application can be rejected at any point during the process for a multitude of reasons.
How we can help:
Members of our team have over 30 years of experience in navigating the FEMA grant maze.
Our team also has worked with most state governments and have a deep understanding of how to navigate those waters.
Our consultants will shepherd your application through the entire process.
You have zero financial risk. Our fee is contingent on you successfully receiving your reimbursement grant!


The Asia Pacific region and markets have been growth engines for robotic process automation (RPA) in recent years, with firms both large and small now showing greater interest in automation, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic, a survey by Forrester Research found.
The survey, released February last month, polled 45 companies in the region, found three types of companies driving RPA demand.
The first comprises offshore captives running scaled-out global automation hubs. Particularly in India and the Philippines, the offshore captive entities of large global corporations have created significant scale in automation.
Many were able to adopt automation as a fresh charter and become “robotic hubs” or automation competency centres for their parent entity and its global business units.
Second were first-wave adopters who have seen early success but struggle with scale. These enterprises serve country or regional markets and started their RPA journey within the past three years.
The third, second-wave adopters, are setting new expectations from the market. Such firms represent the newer wave of participants in the automation market; they started their RPA journey within the past 12 to 18 months. These firms often struggle to establish the value and cadence of business automation.
Importance of RPA
Speaking with iTNews Asia about the importance of automation in the tech sector, Leslie Joseph, the author of the report and principal analyst at Forrester describes RPA as a collection of software tools and processes that mimic and integrate human interactions with digital systems to execute a business process in an automated fashion just like a human would.
Joseph explains that RPA can automate routine, repetitive tasks across business functions by deploying ’software bots’ to perform these tasks instead of humans. This allows companies to reduce reliance on manpower, or to shift human effort to higher-level skills and tasks.
“Using software bots also allows businesses to eliminate rework or cost associated with human error in processes. Companies that have deployed RPA have been able to keep processes running even when the human workers tasked with running these processes were not able to get to work.
“This has made RPA a tool for mitigating enterprise risk and maintaining business continuity through the pandemic.”
Key takeaways from the RPA survey COVID-19 has not created significant automation impetus
Over half of our respondents felt COVID-19 has not affected their future RPA investments Many firms in APAC firms took a while to stabilise in the first phase of the pandemic, after which COVID-19 and the resulting environment of uncertainty and cost pressure pushed them to try automation for the first time.
In contrast, companies that had already invested in a digital workforce were already realising adequate levels of risk mitigation and did not see a need to significantly increase automation investments.
OCBC Bank uses digital workers to adjust and process digital applications, such as home loans, within a minute, down from 45 minutes The cost/benefit equation in Asia Pacific is nuanced
The cost of labour in many APAC markets is lower than in North America and Europe, so the cost/benefit ratio of automation-induced labour arbitrage was not always immediately evident in early days of RPA. Over time, license discounting by vendors has improved the proposition.
Companies have also realised improvements aside from raw costs, such as faster service; Singapore’s OCBC Bank uses digital workers to adjust and process home loans within a minute — down from 45 minutes before.
Employee productivity and cost savings still dominate the conversation
Most firms rate employee productivity benefits and the associated cost savings highly in terms of their goals for automation. However, few companies have improved business agility and flexibility. Many grapple with early-stage challenges such as identifying processes, navigating internal organisational challenges, and acquiring skilled technical talent.
Automation-fueled transformation remains elusive
Across APAC, the use of automation remains largely an efficiency and cost takeout play rather than a transformation play. Counterexamples do exist, such as Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands Hotel, which uses RPA in conjunction with RFID and physical robotics to enhance the guest experience.


Published 27 April 2016
From Bryn Glover
In times such as these – when ignorance combines with prejudice and the worst of journalism – calm, logical, rational analyses such as those of Debora MacKenzie are essential antidotes. However, there are a couple of points in her piece on migration with which I must take issue (9 April, p 29).
MacKenzie refers to the ability of a “modern capitalist economy” to grow as it accommodates more workers. This is too simplistic: the boom and bust cyclical nature of a capitalist economy is well known.
As a positive non-supporter of capitalism, I challenge the implied assumption that the economic benefits of the system naturally accrue to everyone who contributes to them: see Robert Tressell's 1914
The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists for a clear exposition of this. If we were to become much more concerned with distinguishing between the “deserving rich” and the “undeserving rich”, then many of humanity's modern problems would disappear overnight. Kirkby Malzeard, North Yorkshire, UK


The Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF) will present its Vanguard Award to Chad Spore, Staff Engineer at John Deere Waterloo Works Drivetrain Operations, Waterloo, Iowa, USA. The award recognises “Powder Metallurgy industry champions” from the end-user community, whose long-time promotion of the technology has contributed to the expansion of PM applications.
Over the course of 20 years at John Deere, Spore has seen an expansion in PM component complexity and applications – as well as increases in density and material performance – as key drivers for the adoption of PM technology. As the PM industry has enabled cost effective manufacturing, even at lower volumes, this has given John Deere the opportunity to change components from conventionally formed to PM fabricated.
Additionally, as in the automotive industry, the demand for lightweighting of components is significant in the agricultural market and has gained significant focus at John Deere. Weight affects fuel efficiency in tractors, impacts the cost of product shipping and is placed where needed for ballasting a tractor to provide the proper traction in its work environment in a field. PM and PM lightweighting offer many solutions to these challenges.
Spore has been active at MPIF’s annual POWDERMET conferences as a presenter, session chairman, and Special Interest Program organiser. He is also an active member of the Center for Powder Metallurgy Board of Trustee’s.
The award presentation will take place during the Industry Luncheon at POWDERMET2018: the International Conference on Powder Metallurgy and Particulate Materials, and co-located AMPM2018: Additive Manufacturing with Powder Metallurgy conference, from June 17–20, in San Antonio, Texas, USA.


My name is Celeste Rousseau, and I have just completed my second year at the University of Florida. I am currently studying Biological Engineering, with a focus on Biomedical Engineering, and have a strong interest in health awareness and medicine.
I joined the UF Society for Viral studies during my first year, and I became extremely interested in the club’s public health focus – particularly international health. As a result, I joined the club on a trip to Brazil, where I participated in hospital and laboratory observations.
My positive experiences on the Brazil trip inspired me to plan the next trip for the organization. I wanted to have a greater focus on education and medical assistance, but was initially unsure of the channel I could take to complete these goals. I had been a member of Trinity United Methodist’s Sonlight Youth Choir and Appalachian Service Project team, where I had participated in a multitude of impactful and well organized projects. Many of my friends had participated in medical relief projects through Trinity, so I felt that they would provide me with the guidance I needed. Drew Pridgen was kind enough to direct me to Sarah, and since then she and I have been planning on a trip that would allow us to spread our knowledge while gaining a heightened understanding of medicine and culture.
So far, we have participated in a number of inspiring and impactful activities. These include shadowing physicians and dispensing medication at a community health outreach event, packaging and dispersing nutritious food, creating and presenting knowledge about water borne illness – particularly cholera – to local families, and sharing our story with the community via radio and television interviews.
We are really treasuring our experiences with the all of the community members, who have been so gracious, humble, and caring.
We are looking forward to all of the events we have planned for the rest of the week!
Celeste


Determining and Disclosing the Effect of Broker Non-Votes
April 18, 2018
Publication
Brokers may vote uninstructed shares only on matters that are discretionary under NYSE Rule 452. The authors discuss the NYSE rule and the effect of broker non-votes under various voting and quorum standards under Delaware law. They suggest practitioners be particularly attentive to the disclosure of the effect of broker non-votes in proxy statements. They also caution that since the regulations are seldom perfectly clear, issuers and practitioners will often benefit by seeking NYSE guidance on whether brokers have discretion to vote uninstructed shares on specific proposals.


Elora's Village Core Plan
Forecasting Opportunities, Rewarding Outcomes
LOCATION Elora, ON, Canada CLIENT Elora Business Improvement Area DATE 2005
“Strategically informing decades of core area improvement, continuing the anchoring of Ontario’s Most Beautiful Village.”
Situated along a spectacular gorge and along the banks of the Grand and Irvine Rivers lies the evolving destination – known as “Ontario’s most beautiful village” – Elora. Its core area has been transforming within a complex landscape of small town conveniences, an historic mill operation, remnant buildings and parking areas, and ever-challenged open and natural space into a destination amenity with abundant charm and appeal. Realizing its potential, the Elora Business Improvement Area (BIA) sought a plan (2005) to align itself favourably with anticipated private development and township public work initiatives; an effort was needed to define a future direction for “village core” improvement. SKA (now pl.ural) developed a set of design planning strategies to anticipate and embrace physical consequences of change and maintenance of Elora’s core – its village core area – deliberate placemaking was set in motion.
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The Village Core Plan supported the township’s Official Plan and considered the context of the township’s and BIA’s fiscal realities. It established a set of 25 strategies and demonstrated how these might be realized over time, guided through short-, medium- and long-term development horizons. It built on the best of what exists, seeking to enhance the essential qualities of Elora’s core area and context. It was expected to be implemented incrementally, both by its influence on projects relating to specific user groups and by infrastructure or public place projects to serve the common good. To date no fewer than 15 of 19 key projects identified within the plan have been completed or are in momentum. Strategies serving environmental quality, the core area’s spatial structure, identity and movement, and implementation has strengthened Ontario’s most beautiful village.
Want to learn more about this project? Send us a message!


Acs Astrology Software Atlas
Astrology has hit the mainstream in waves, according to new research. During the mid-2000s, a few astrologers were worried about the lack of young people who wanted to learn the signs of the zodiac. The internet has made Zodiac language easy to understand and its most popular astrological accounts online celebrities. As more people turn to astrology for insight, the field continues to grow.
Numerous astrologers have had an impact on the history of astrology. The Christian Priscillianists, for example, were followers of an ascetic who lived in the fourth century. They believed the stars made God’s will manifest. This view is fundamentally opposite of modern astrologers who are not apologetic about what they believe. However, some astrologers did make errors in their analysis.
Generally, astrologers check the signs of the planets when predicting the future. The influence of the astronomical bodies on newborn babies is known as “natal astrology”. In natal astrology, planets and signs combine to create a complex personality profile. Astrologers can use this information to predict how these people will live. Ancient cultures have used astrology for centuries and merged various forms into Western astrology. Today, the most widely known forms are Vedic, Tibetan, and Chinese.
Although astrology is still popular, millennials find it difficult to accept the scientific and logical foundation of its practices. They tend to be skeptical and remain at the margins of belief. Their generation is also immersed in technology. Although astrologers may not be able to understand the equinoxes they often make incorrect assumptions. So, if you are a millennial who wants to understand your future, consider using astrology for psychological counselling.
Astrology was first practiced by Nostradamus, a French physician who dabbled in pseudosciences and astrology. He made many predictions over the five centuries that followed the birth of Christ. However, he was criticized for relying on astrology for answers, and a survey of the public showed that 41% of the respondents believed that the practice is “scientific.”
Astrology has become mainstream, but there are still many confusing terms. Although many professional astrologers continue their studies, it can still be confusing to understand the terminology used in astrology. Mercury retrograde and natal chart are two terms that many people have difficulty understanding. Nevertheless, these terms can help you understand your natal chart and the relationships between your sign and your other signs.
Astrology can help explain the rise in social media and earthquakes. It may also explain the rise in Cesarean section rates, which are associated with Suns in tenth-house. This house governs reputation and prestige. It is also the foundation for psychological astrology, which was influenced greatly by the works Carl Jung. Psychological astrology views the birth chart as a representation for the human psyche. It helps us to identify our individual goals, and what life is all for.
While interpreting the signs is not a foolproof method, there are some simple rules for determining personality traits. To determine your sign, you need to determine the number of planets in each sign, element, and mode at the time of birth. The sun and moon count as two, because their extra influence adds to their influence. The more planets in an element, or mode, the greater their influence. The houses are used to determine personality traits such as ambition and social skills.
In a study conducted by John McGrew and Richard McFall in 1990, it was shown that astrologers did not predict the future of their subjects better than a non-astrologer control subject. A third study was conducted by Dr. Ivan Kelly, a psychologist, and Dr. Geoffrey Dean, an ex-astrologer. It found that celebrities were often born under an astrological sign. However, a National Science Foundation study concluded that such relationships were not possible.
In ancient times, astrology focused on signs and planets based on the sun, moon, and stars. Although astronomy is a scientific discipline, astrology is usually defined as a form of divination. Until the late 17th century, astrology did not have an official scientific meaning. The scientific discipline of astrology was now a distinct discipline. However, the term “astrology”, has gained in popularity.
Sun signs are the starting point for astrology. Each sun sign has a ruler and is associated with one of four elements. Additionally, each person has a Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars sign. Each element has its own associations that influence the character and outlook of a person. A person’s unique personality traits are based on these elements and their placement in the zodiac. Explore the zodiac to learn more about yourself, and others.


By Corinne Murdock |
Freshman lawmaker Alex Kolodin has eight election integrity bills ready to introduce in the upcoming legislative session.
Kolodin publicized these draft bills this week for constituent review.
Several of the bills would establish an election integrity commission; a tiebreak system for when the attorney general and secretary of state can’t agree on the Election Procedures Manual (EPM); further rights for political party and public observers to oversee processing of drop box ballots; a requirement for drop box ballot processing to be recorded on a live feed; the option for any county to forgo the use of electronic tabulation machines; and clarifications for minimum signature disqualification and observer rights to challenging signatures.
One bill would prohibit the secretary of state, county recorders, county board of supervisor members, and any elected or unelected officer in charge of elections from serving as a chairperson, treasurer, or any other member of a political action committee (PAC). That bill would prevent controversies such as ongoing public scrutiny over Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer’s PAC. A similar bill was introduced last session by State Representative Shawnna Bolick (R-Phoenix), but never made it to any committee.
Richer’s PAC, Pro-Democracy Republicans, submitted $45,000 to Defending Arizona Values for polling and mailers, $10,000 to Awareness Analytics for polling, just over $7,000 to Richer for event and operating expenses, over $3,700 to Connect Strategic for consulting, and over $2,200 to Summit Consulting Group for consulting.
The PAC’s $88,000 in donations came from thousands contributed by various business leaders across different sectors, like investing and insurance.
Another bill would further clarify legislative intent concerning Title 16, “Elections and Electors,” Chapter 4, “Conduct of Elections.” The proposed legislation clarifies that courts, election officials, and others in power have interpreted these statutes to “an undesirably restrictive degree of public transparency.” Kolodin’s bill establishes a rule of construction that requires the interpretation of statute that affords more transparency to prevail.
A final bill, the “Voters Right to Know Act,” would establish a system enabling voters to see an image of their cast ballot online. These ballots would be digitally organized in a searchable manner by precinct, not vote center, and would include a report informing voters how each vote for the particular candidate or ballot measure was tabulated. Each ballot would also have a unique identifier like a serial number. However, the identifier wouldn’t be linked to individual voters in any government database. Exempt from this ballot image database would be Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) votes. Violations of this legislation would constitute a class 2 misdemeanor.
Though they share the same name, Kolodin’s bill is unrelated to Proposition 211. That separate act approved by voters during this election claims to purge dark money from elections, though it includes carve outs for leftist dark money: corporate media, Big Tech, most labor unions, and certain PACs.
Prior to joining the state legislature, Kolodin served as a prominent constitutional attorney. Over the last few years, he’s represented the Arizona GOP in several election integrity cases. Kolodin attempted to extend Maricopa County’s polling hours on Election Day following mass voting machine failures, which the county explained during its cavass on Monday were due, in part, to incompatible heat settings on a series of retrofitted ballot-on-demand (BOD) printers. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) intervened in that petition to ensure its demise.


Cervical radiculopathy is a common issue for neurologists. While motor dysfunction has been traditionally assessing using needle EMG techniques, thereby confirming the diagnosis, frequently only sensory symptoms may be evident. In such cases, the diagnostic time may be protracted.
In an upcoming issue of JNNP (ON-LINE FIRST) Lin and colleagues tackle this issue in a novel manner assessing sensory axonal excitability distal to the site of dysfunction. Interestingly, distal axonal hyperpolarisation was noted even in the presence of normal sensory nerve conduction studies, as traditionally expected. This provides a novel pathophysiological insight into this disorder.
Must read more at: http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/early/2014/08/20/jnnp-2014-308088.abstract
Neuromuscular Research paper


On January 15, 2021, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) issued the 2021 Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for industrial stormwater discharges. The MSGP becomes effective on March 1, 2021.
Background
The USEPA established National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements for industrial stormwater discharges in 1990 and the agency first issued the MSPG for those facilities in 1995. The new 2021 MSGP replaces the 2015 MSGP, which was issued on June 4, 2015.
The MSGP applies in areas of the country where USEPA is the NPDES permitting authority and has made the permit available for coverage. These areas include:
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Idaho, and the District of Columbia All U.S. territories except the Virgin Islands Federally-operated facilities in Colorado, Delaware, Vermont, and Washington Most Indian country lands Other designated activities in specific states
USEPA held a 90-day comment period for the proposed MSGP from March 2, 2020, to June 1, 2020. A total of 195 total comment letters and 1,895 unique comments were received and considered in the development of the new MSGP. The 2021 MSGP includes new or modified requirements compared to the 2015 MSGP, as outlined below.
Significant General Changes in the 2021 MSGP
The following list summarizes the most significant changes to the 2021 MSGP:
Streamlining of Permit: USEPA streamlined and simplified the language throughout the permit to present the requirements in a more clear and readable manner. Public Sign of Permit Coverage: MSGP operators are required to post a sign of permit coverage at a safe, publicly accessible location close to the facility. Consideration of Stormwater Control Measure Enhancements for Major Storm Events: Operators are required to consider implementing enhanced stormwater control measures for facilities that could be impacted by major storm events, such as hurricanes, storm surge, and flood events. Monitoring Changes Indicator Monitoring for pH, TSS, and COD: A new provision requires operators to conduct indicator analytical monitoring for pH, total suspended solids (TSS), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) quarterly for the duration of the permit. This requirement applies to all operators in the following subsectors that do not have sector-specific benchmark monitoring requirements in the 2021 MSGP: B2, C5, D2, E3, F5, I1, J3, L2, N2, O1, P1, R1, T1, U3, V1, W1, X1, Y2, Z1, AB, AC, and AD. This monitoring requirement does not apply to the Wood Products Sector (Sector A). Indicator Monitoring for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): This new provision requires certain operations to conduct “report-only” indicator analytical monitoring for PAHs bi-annually during the first and fourth years of permit coverage. This applies to operators in all sectors with stormwater discharges from paved surfaces that will be sealed or re-sealed with coal-tar sealcoat, or operators in sectors A, C, D, F, H, I, M, O, P, Q, R, and S. This requirement includes the Wood Products Sector (Sector A). Updating Benchmark Threshold Values: USEPA modified the benchmark monitoring thresholds in the 2021 MSGP for aluminum; copper and selenium for discharges to freshwater; and cadmium based on revised current Clean Water Act section 304(a) national recommended aquatic life water quality criteria. Additionally, the 2021 MSGP suspended the benchmark monitoring thresholds for magnesium and iron based on a lack of documented acute toxicity. Updating the Benchmark Monitoring Schedule: Applicable operators are required to conduct benchmark monitoring quarterly in their first and fourth years of permit coverage. Impaired Waters Monitoring: Operators discharging to impaired waters without a USEPA-approved or -established total maximum daily load (TMDL) must complete annual monitoring for discharges of certain pollutants to impaired waters. Monitoring is required for one year at each discharge point for all pollutants for which the water body is impaired, after which the operator can discontinue monitoring for the next two years for any pollutant that is not detected. Additional Implementation Measures (AIM): This provides new revisions to the AIM requirements for benchmark monitoring exceedances that were included in the proposed 2020 MSGP. USEPA revised these provisions to address concerns raised in public comments. Both the proposed 2020 MSGP and the final 2021 MSGP maintain a three-level structure of advancement and responses triggered by benchmark exceedances. The final 2021 MSGP AIM requirements reduce costs and complexity from the proposal by creating a stepwise, sequential advancement through the AIM levels with a clear “resetting” to baseline status if benchmark thresholds and responses are met within the required deadlines. 2021 MSGP Changes Impacting the Wood Sector
Sector A – Timber Products of the 2021 MSGP covers general sawmills, planing mills, log storage facilities, and wood preserving facilities. Sector-specific requirements for the Timber Products Sector are provided in Part 8, Subpart A of the 2021 MSGP. Before finalization of the 2021 MSGP, comments were submitted to USEPA on its proposed 2020 MSGP to address concerns of the Timber Products Sector by the Treated Wood Council (TWC) and the Federal Water Quality Coalition (FWQC). Key changes to the MSGP impacting the Timber Products Sector are outlined below.
Stormwater Control Measures for Major Storm Events: The requirement to implement enhanced stormwater controls for major storm events has been removed. The 2021 MSGP only requires discharges to considerimplementing enhanced control measures for facilities that could be affected by major storm events, such as hurricanes, storm surge, and flood events. USEPA is not requiring operators to implement additional controls if the operator determines such controls to be unnecessary, but USEPA is requiring operators to consider the benefits of selecting and designing control measures that reduce risks to their industrial facility and the potential impact of pollutants in stormwater discharges caused by major storm events. Removal of Universal Benchmark Monitoring for pH, TSS, and COD: Under the 2021 MSGP, the requirement for universal benchmark monitoring for pH, TSS, and COD in the Timber Products Sector has been removed. Instead, there will be non-benchmark monitoring of those parameters required only for those subsectors that currently have no sector-specific benchmark monitoring requirements. Benchmark monitoring for COD and TSS is required under Subsectors A1 (General Sawmills and Planing Mills) and A4 (Wood Products Facilities not elsewhere classified). Additionally, TSS monitoring is required in Subsector A3 (Log Storage and Handling). Modification of Copper Benchmarks: Benchmark monitoring for copper is required under Wood Preserving Subsector A2. The 2021 MSGP updated the Total Recoverable Copper Benchmark for copper discharges to freshwater to 5.19 micrograms per liter (µg/L). The Copper Benchmark for discharges to freshwater were previously hardness-dependent in the 2015 MSGP. Modification of AIM Requirements: The modification of the AIM requirements in the 2021 MSGP addresses some concerns posed by the TWC and FWQC, by ensuring that a discharger has the opportunity to take compliance steps at one AIM level before being moved to the next level. All operators subject to benchmark monitoring requirements begin in the baseline status at the start of their permit coverage. An operator would progress linearly through the three AIM levels (AIM Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3) if an exceedance triggering event occurs and continues. The operator is required to respond with increasingly robust control measures and continued benchmark monitoring with each subsequent AIM level. The following exceptions to the AIM requirements are offered in the 2021 MSGP for an exceedance triggering event at any AIM Level: Natural background sources Run-on One-time abnormal event Demonstration that discharges of copper and aluminum do not result in an exceedance of facility-specific criteria using the national recommended water quality criteria in-lieu of the applicable MSGP benchmark threshold Demonstration that the benchmark exceedance does not result in an exceedance of an applicable water quality standard Coal-Tar Sealants: The restrictions on permit eligibility if a facility uses coal-tar sealants have been removed. The 2021 MSGP requires indicator monitoring for PAHs for all facilities in the Timber Products Sector with stormwater discharges from paved surfaces sealed or re-sealed with coal-tar sealcoat, or that use or store creosote or creosote-treated wood in areas exposed to precipitation. The indicator monitoring is a “report-only” requirement in the first and fourth years of permit coverage. No thresholds or baseline values were established for these parameters. What’s Next?
The 2021 MSGP is currently frozen for review by the new administration. If approved, the 2021 MSGP will become effective on March 1, 2021.
Learn More
EHS Support’s compliance experts can assist you with preparing your facility for the updates in the 2021 MSGP and can answer any questions you may have about this update. Please reach out to Bruce Martin for:
Questions related to changes to the 2021 MSGP Compliance concerns with the 2021 MSGP Assistance navigating new AIM requirements
Any other MSGP related questions!


The price ceiling for Russian gas at the level of 275 euros per megawatt-hour, which the European Commission proposed for consideration, is unlikely to be approved, as it has been criticized even by EU countries that support the cap on fuel prices, reports the Financial Times.
A senior EU diplomat told the publication that setting a price ceiling above €250 per MWh is “just another way to kill the cap.”
“It’s a joke. <…> This is a proposal that will not bring anything useful to anyone even under the extreme scenario observed in August. This is not a limitation,” Simone Tagliapetra, a senior fellow at the Brussels think tank Bruegel, said in her turn. She noted that this initiative threatens to undermine the credibility of the EC in resolving the energy crisis.
At the same time, the newspaper writes, members of the European energy exchange ICE opposed any price cap, stressing that such actions “will lead to a significant increase in margins, which could destabilize the market.”
Russian Foreign Ministry proposes to recognize the European Parliament as a “sponsor of idiocy”
Due to censorship and blocking of all media and alternative views, stay tuned to our Telegram channel


Tao, Yingnian (2021)
Who should apologise:Expressing criticism of public figures on Chinese social media in times of COVID-19. Discourse and Society, 32 (5). pp. 622-638. ISSN 0957-9265 Abstract
Previous studies on public opinion expression in communication, political science and discourse analysis are restricted to a censorship-/counter-censorship frame and focus their analysis on events with political agendas. This study explores netizens’ discursive practice by focusing the analysis on netizens’ language use in context per se, rather than from a censorship/counter- censorship viewpoint. It adopts a discursive pragmatic approach to examine a ‘mundane’ trending topic regarding a dispute between two public figures rather than ‘major’ events with acute social and political agendas. This study present evidence that Weibo users criticise public figures through indirect discursive strategies, including parody of name, constructed dialogues and rhetorical questions. It also highlights two prominent sentiments in Weibo public spheres during the COVID-19 pandemic – cyber nationalism and binary opposition between China and the rest of the world. The online backlash against Fang demonstrates how easily netizens can change their views towards a certain event.


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This is a special culture medium that contains natural growth factors. This additive may be beneficial for embryos from women who have already experienced miscarriages or biochemical pregnancy (an extended cycle where the embryo makes contact with the endometrium but the pregnancy does not continue). It can also be indicated in some cases where the repeated transfer of normally developed embryos has not led to pregnancy.
The processing of the ejaculate for assisted reproduction techniques aims to enrich mostly motile and DNA-intact sperm. The conventional preparation method uses centrifugation, which exposes the sperm cells to physical stress, which, in turn, may be detrimental and lead to DNA damage.
The separation of sperm cells from the ejaculate using the novel ZyMot chamber, however, aims to imitate the natural barriers of the cervical and uterine pathway for the sperm to overcome. This gentle procedure results in the accumulation of motile and DNA-intact sperm available for fertilization.
Occasionally, semen can contain a high proportion of immature sperm or sperm with a high DNA fragmentation index (see SDI test). To prevent such sperm from being used for ICSI, mature and DNA-intact sperm are selected by binding to hyaluronic acid. This binding is comparable to the process that naturally takes place at the zona pellucida. Thus the development potential of the resulting embryos is improved.
Even after the use of ICSI, egg fertilisation rate may be very low or absent. In some cases, this problem can be overcome in the next cycle with the use of calcium ionophore. This causes changes in the calcium levels of the injected egg cell, corresponding to those that occur during the normal fertilisation process. This can result in an improved fertilisation rate.
Before implantation into the endometrium, the embryo is contained within a protective shell, the zona pellucida. In order for implantation to occur, the embryo must leave this shell - or “hatch”. In rare cases, the protective shell is thicker than usual, which can lead to impaired hatching. In these cases, it may be helpful to open the shell artificially - the embryo then hatches through this opening.
This term refers to the evaluation and selection of sperm for ICSI under ultra-high magnification. A few clinics claim that the use of this technique leads to higher pregnancy and lower miscarriage rates. However, this has not been confirmed in larger studies.
Information about the costs for the various therapies can be found here.


Nomura Holdings Inc., located in Japan, has ordered its employees not to smoke during working hours, even if they work from home. According to spokesperson Yoshitaka Otsu, the country’s largest brokerage, sent out a message to its workers outlining the new policy, which will take effect in October. By the end of December, the Nomura Group will have closed all of its smoking rooms.
According to Otsu, the new regulations would be based on mutual trust and not a penal provision. There is no policy in place to keep track of workers who work from home.
According to the company’s statement, Nomura aims to establish a positive working atmosphere, reduce second-hand smoking, and improve employee health.
According to a study conducted by the National Cancer Centre Japan in March, more than two out of every ten smokers claimed their cigarette usage rose when working from home or staying at home. It’s partially due to the lack of smoking regulations at home.
According to Nomura’s website, the company wants to lower the smoking rate among its workers in Japan to 12% by 2025, down from 20% in March 2020. Since 2017, the brokerage has offered financial assistance to workers who want to quit, according to Otsu.
To avoid “third-hand smoking,” the brokerage’s current policy strongly advises people to stay away from its offices for 45 minutes after smoking during lunch or breaks, according to Otsu.
Calbee Inc., a food company, banned employees from smoking during work hours in 2018. It stated that the health of employees and their families was critical to the company’s success.
According to a representative, Ajinomoto Co., a food manufacturer, implemented a no-smoking-while-working policy in 2019, which included individuals working remotely.
SoftBank Group Corp.’s telecom unit, according to spokeswoman Rika Takahashi, implemented a similar restriction in April 2020 to safeguard staff’ health and protect consumers from second-hand smoke.


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